RECORD STORE DAY 2011

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

2011...the end in site, has been a rough year on many of our firends and family. Somehow,we muster up the power to trapse through the holidays, which can make tough times even tougher. On the flip, we have a lot to be grateful for here at Spiral Scratch--good friends and support and good records to listen to to. There is no better drug. there is no better relief for what ails ya'.A few nights back i sat pressed up against the soundboard as a packed Bug Jar were blown to bits by thee Oh Sees (and earlier, Total Control--a fantastic band from Australia featuring Mikey from Eddy Current Suppression Ring) and, i felt truly ...umm...happy. No shoves or lack of space by the growing fan base could bring me down. I watched them commandingly deliver, with a healthy addition of Lars from the Intelligence/A-Frames,the best set i've seen maybe all year and seemingly watch them grow up--or get the attention they deserve. I hope they continue to, they've worked hard and are the real deal. I'm thankful i made it, recognized so many Buffalo folk and am still reeling from it. Obviously, we have much more to be grateful for...but I'm just rambling now. Oh, and I'm really not Willie Nelson, Eric.

Happy Thanksgiving (eat whatever it is you eat. then eat more. wake up and eat more cold stuff. lay around. or do whatever it is you do...hopefully it doesnt involve working). Thanks for another great year and may your holidays be as tolerable, even perhaps happy (?!) as they can be. Oh look....

We will be CLOSED Thanksgiving Day and open REGULAR HOURS for INDIE BLACK FRIDAY™. I don't see the reason in waking you earlier on what might be a day off. Relax, we'll be ready for you.In addition to the stuff you probably already know about, expect some cool exclusives from Guided By Voices (limited 7", Matador), Mark Sultan (limited press lp), Reatards (savage young Reatard reissued on scarce clear vinyl) and other great titles that will be going quickly--please check back for updates later today for the finalized complete list) as well as putting out some great used stuff we've been saving for a special day and TONS of incoming stock--new releases and some re-stocks we havent had in in quite some time. Some things you won't find anywhere else.

The RSD sanctioned titles include, but may not be limited to:

Type O Negative Box Set 6 lp behemoth box including their Roadrunner catalog:(limited to 1000 box sets)Slow, Deep and Hard The Origin of the Feces (original "artwork" cover. rarely seen) Bloody Kisses October Rust World Coming Down Life Is Killing Meeach album features extensive, new liner notes, artwork and at least 6 stickers.

Iron & Wine - Morning Becomes Eclectic - A 12" along with a bonus cd featuring songs recorded live to air on KCRW fm.

Pete Townsend - Quadrophenia Demos, Volume 1 10"

The first of two 10" Eps featuring six demos from the Director's Cut re-release of Quadrophenia, produced, authorized and overseen by Pete Townshend. This individually numbered 10" EP and the one scheduled for Record Store Day 2012 provide a unique insight into the creation of this landmark album.

and, while we didn't get everything we asked for...with quantities of top selling major label artists being 3000 or less, it's impossible for everyone to get what they want and not be stuck with crappers that dont sell either! we won't complain, it just makes ya look bad...but check out the sponsers of this "indie black friday"---all corporate giants! we know how you roll, too. someone tell them they are fucking it up for the fans while the flippers rejoice and have titles listed on ebay 2 days before they are to be released (and at super inflated prices). if the past is any indications--don't go nuts if you don't get it on Friday, as many of these releases will become more readily available and/or their inflated values will plummet within a few weeks making it much more affordable. Just a thought from someone learning the hard way.

lastly, due to severely limited quantities--we cannot hold anything, so please don't ask. I kinda have a hard time saying "no". This is a first come, first served deal and nobody gets special treatment around here. we're all equal freakshows. Maybe elsewhere, but not here. Normally we would, but it's not fair to everyone else. get to the shop at noon--you'll increase your odds. at least we're not dragging you outta bed at 9 am!

-to the "unsanctioned" I.B.F. stuff/sneak peak:

Reatards - Teenage Hate/Fuck Elvis. Finally reissued by the awesome folks at Goner Records in Memphis. Clear wax version, which was very limited. primal 90s punk played with real, not forced, emotion and reckless abandon. yes, you were something of a prick, jay...but we miss you and your ever changing music greatly. rip, jeffrey lee lindsay.

Guided By Voices - We Won't Apologize For The Human Race 7". Something tells us these won't be around long. This new offering is special as it features the real GBV once again-Bob with Sprout, Mitch Mitchell, Greg Demos and Kevin Fennell. While i wouldnt expect a Bee Thousand 2.0, this mid-fi pre-lp 7" should perk up some fans who've been with 'em since Propeller came out. Or maybe earlier...that's just when I was first smitten by GBV.

Rest assured, we will "cook" up something to save you money on Friday, too. We have beefed up our used and new sections, too. But we are confident we've found a way to give you the best music and the best prices and you won't have to worry about getting trampled to death, elbowed for that last Bieber pic disc remix 8" or whatever else is otherwise awful about the real Black Friday. As a matter of fact, the real crazies will be done by the time we open at noon. ish? no...it'll be noon.

a quick look at some non-Indie Black Friday releases that are incoming!

Mummies - Tales From The Crypt legend has it this 'import' was to be their SubPop debut--but it wasnt crummy enough sounding and they scrapped it, told SubPop were to stick it and broke up. Real Punk! Their best sounding release, and in 'one reporters opinion', their best record.

Sig Ros - Inni A 3x lp withy live dvd direct from XL recordings. Sigur Ros vinyl is no easy task. we've also kept it cheaper than anywhere we searched. Voivod - To The Death '84 2x lp. The demo and more of their early days finally repressed to wax.

Sam Cooke - Live at the Harlem Square Club. Mr. Soul delivers a raw and amazing live set. Pure soul without studio numbing it down, a raucous set for Sam Cooke and essential.

Pig Heart Transplant 7" Another noisy blaster from Iron Lung Records.Double Negative - Hardcore Confusion Volumes One & Two. Davila 666 - Tan Bajo - The Puerto Rican garage rock locos take a turn for the more soulful on their second, adventurous record. A staff and customer favorite.More restocks from Atlas Sound, Career Suicide, the Spits, Nothing People, Pheremoans, Pixies, Sonics, Gories and a big box that will probably show up amid the chaos on Friday. phew.

Finally, if yer not on our email list (which we use sparingly for special events...not weekly spam), drup us a line at spiralscratchrecords@yahoo and we will add you.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

A few weeks ago, Buffalo musician Tony Lorenzo was shot and seriously injured while walking in the Elmwood Village. Obviously, the Buffalo music scene was stunned, angered and quickly mobilized benefits to help out Tony and his family during this difficult time. While he may be lucky to be alive, the road ahead will be a challenge for Tony and his family. A good guy that seemingly was liked by all, Tony most recently played in Ritual Quarantine and had been a serious shredder in Sons of Azrael in the past. Shaken Stylus, Inc. quickly organized a successful benefit and keeping an eye on the BuffaloShows.net message board will keep you in the know with future benefit shows. We obviously know the potential generosity of the Buffalo music scene when we had our fire and this is obviously a more serious and personal situation. Remember, a little bit goes a long way when everyone is involved. Let's not forget this senseless act that has turned a family upside down and injured one of our own. We continue to be humbled by the generosity we received in our own time of need--keep it coming, Buffalo. Anyone organizing a benefit show is encouraged to stop by the shop and we will offer up something to be raffled off--a gift certificate or something along those lines. In the meanwhile, you can donate via paypal™ at helpingtony@gmail.com . Donations go directly to the family. There is also a reward for the spineless prick responsible for the shooting set up by Mayor Brown and the BPD. You can donate to this as well by going to this site: rewardfortony@gmail.com . A 2 day benefit show is happening at Club Infinity January 7-8. For more information, check facebook event METAL FOR TONY. thanks for reading. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Second Annual Buffalo Decency Rally took place at the Ukranian/Dnipro Center last weekend featuring a ridiculous display of Buffalo Punk, Hardcore, Noise, Dark-Core, Grind and...Cages! If you weren't there, you truly are square. For the second year in a row, amazing silkscreened posters were made to promote the event. If you'd like a piece of history, Mr. Weese dropped off a bunch at the shop. $5 for civilians and free if your band played it (and you dont have one). Incredible artwork on heavy paper listing all the acts that performed.______________________________________________________Indie Black Friday. Friday, along with the rest of the usual critters, will take place for a second year at Spiral Scratch. we have placed our order but until we get a definitive list of whats coming, don't want any misinformation on our mighty blog of truth. I.B.F. is the product of the folks behind Record Store Day and features exclusive releases. We can't hold stuff, dont exactly know whats coming yet but we hope for things like Type O Negative box, Iron and Wine "Morning Becomes Electric" lp. Justin Townes Earle "Slippin' and Slidin'", Jimmy Cliff 12", Wilco 10" among them--as well as some "unofficial" releases. We did choose to pass on some $10 7" singles...as that is disgraceful pricing/gouging and I dont want to feed the beast. These often become available after the release date (which we actually follow!) for more reasonable prices. We'll unearth tons of never-seen used vinyl on this day, as well in order to keep things interesting. Record Store Day™ is a great boost to indie record stores but greed, rising prices and flagrant record flipping (often by the stores themselves) are turning it ugly at times. As a result, we are avoiding the overpriced stuff while still participating to the fullest of our abilities.

Some new releases in-stock this weekthee Oh Sees - Carrion Crawler/The Dream LP - Second lp released in 2011 (they've been churning out records at a fever pitch for years now) and this is clearly the better of the two and LOUDER of the two as well. As the band gains much deserved attention from both indie and garage punk camps they are in no way letting up here. Allegedly conceived as two seperate 12" ep's, this long player flows perfectly as it was recorded all at once and displays organ, uptempo numbers and slashing guitar work. here's a sampling taken from a more reputable music website called The Dream. They are on tour with the amazing aussie band TOTAL CONTROL (members of Eddy Current Suppression Ring and UV Race) and PAUL CARY and will be striking Rochester on November 21. We recently had the Oh Sees/Total Control 12" tour split but supplies remain very limited. This lp is in stock along with Total Control's Henge Beat. Henge Beat is yet another amazing offering from Australia mixing electronic elements with driving post-punk and late 70s UK new wave--yet somehow it comes out a perfect garage punker. On Iron Lung Records, it is among the finest lp's released in 2011 and apparently they steamroll it live. Do NOT pass by Total Control (like Pitchfork™ has). Here's a taste: Carpet Rash from Total Control's Henge Beat lp .

WOUNDED LION - IVXLCDM LP - If you enter our doors, you know that we have been devotees of In The Red Records since Larry started putting out excellent records over a decade ago. Quality control is tight and we're tickled to see the label getting more exposure and successful. Based in LA along with the label, Wounded Lion present a form of art punk that recalls late 70s LA punks Urinals as well as Wall Of Voodoo, Suburban Lawns. So there is hope for Los Angeles after all? Wounded Lions second album has garnered rave reviews, has the reliable In the Red stamp and employs the Intelligence main main, ex A-Frames drummer (and current Oh See's percussion man) Lars Finberg adding more percussion and slashing telecaster action. Dig it here.

TYVEK- Fast Metabolism - "At long last, the vinyl debut of this flawless compilation of TYVEK’s early singles. Long out-of-print, and still in high demand, Fast Metabolism was initially issued as a CDR only release, and quickly caught fire around the world. Hailing from Detroit, and behaving as if Wire had been the world's only hardcore band, Tyvek were (and still are) a much needed adrenalin spike through the breast plate. These songs eventually were released as four very hard to find 7-inches between 2006 and 2008. Issued in an edition of 2,000 copies, with deluxe tip-on jackets, and mastered for precision by TIMOTHY STOLLENWERK, with the vinyl lacquers cut by BOB WESTON, this is a co-production between Brooklyn, New York's M'lady's Records and Portland, Oregon's Water Wing Records."

YUCK - (Deluxe Version) LP - A nice vinyl reissue of up and coming band YUCK (brought to our attention by a customer), this double lp set features the self titled lp and an entire 12" of singles & b-sides. For a couple bucks more, we figured you'd appreciate the tack on so you can see the progression the band has made in a short time. As written by the fine folks at Revolver/Midheaven, "...This is a confident, wildly ambitious record, but also one which brims over with a ragged warmth and tenderness, tipping its hat at alt music heroes past such as East River Pipe, Dinosaur Jr and Sparklehorse while at the same time retaining a unique identity entirely its own." I just couldn't put it so eloquently as I'm a n00b to YUCK. Come and get 'em, they're moving quickly.

Our used bin continues to expand daily as we sort through recently acquired collections. Tons of goodies at the lowest prices. Why shop elsewhere? Why pay more? Whats wrong with you?!! They can keep us out of the phonebook and the record show--but they cant keep you from taking advantage of the best, cheapest records around--be it the latest releases or used product. We VPI clean our used records and will soon make that machine available to you! Details to come. (VPI are the ultimate record cleaners...google 'em if yer not aware what the hell i'm talking about.anchovies11.17.114:33 a.m.,e.s.t.

p.s.

The Frustrations (Detroit) will be performing an in-store in the SS Dungeon this saturday, 11.21.11. Buffalo's Final Insult will also be playing as well as Melody (Mayday, Utah Jazz) & Britt (Final Insult, Utah Jazz)...we hope. We advise you show up, sorta behave by 6 pm as the shows must end around normal closing times.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween has come to a an end, 54/partly sunny is now considered "nice weather" and Spiral Scratch pounded its chest a few times as we stumbled through our 3rd anniversary of survival serving Buffalo and surrounding areas what we truly believe to be the best vinyl records currently available, learning the new needs and desires of our new location and staving off broken windows, vermin, crazy neighbors and some sort of troubled economy. We spend hours searching for the lowest prices so we can easilly provide you with the lowest prices...usually anywhere. I know this, because I check. That goes for the recent influx of great used records that have been coming in at a steady pitch.Anyway, let's keep this brief so i can sneak in a few innings on the PS3 before the sun comes up. While there is a healthy batch of new releases and restocked classics (and sorta new releases restocked), the re-issue machine has been chugging out classic stuff--some not exactly "reissue" since it was never released either domestically or at all. The brand new VOID - Sessions 1981-83 unearths an lp's worth of demos, rarities and odds-n-sods. Up until now, VOID's legend was 16 minutes and 1 side of an lp--the classic Faith/Void split--a record indie god Bill "SMOG" Callahan proclaimed among his favorite records ever-"especially the Void side". VOID (along with the FAITH) were something of a hardcore punk enigma of sorts, and a great one at that. Until now, known for their incredible blasts of raw punk on a split lp. What took so long to share twice as many tracks to the world? Even the Pitchdorks took notice, giving the album a 7.3. Whatever, it's here for you now and a rather hot item (we got the last 5 copies from Dischord direct while a new batch is pressed up). VOID would later head into a more metal edged direction and broke up as their shows became uncontrollably violent. Before, they recorded an unreleased lp for Touch & Go Records which the band refuses to release.So whilst on the topic of that legendary split lp, FAITH also was given similar treatment--Subject To Change. the album--again, as with most all Dischord reissues, has been remastered and cut from the original source tapes making for killer sound quality, unearths the bands Subject To Change 12" along with an 11 song demo (many re-recorded for the split lp, which has never gone out of print as in stock as well. More melodic, less chaotic--the FAITH were a hugely respected band in the DC scene and also have stood the test of time.More Dischord stuff:Lungfish - The Unanimous HourJoe Lally (solo lp)Teen Idles - 6 song 7" ep reissueRites Of SpringFugazi (celebrate their entire catalog...its all here)Minor Threat

Dischord has also hooked us up with a local distro who has some big time reissues at the fairest prices we've seen. Helmet - Strap It On and Meantime lp's. Sonic Youth - Evol & Sister are among the titles we snatched up. More to come in the future.90's vinyl was often an afterthought, a short and half-assed way to appease the band who demanded that it be released on vinyl. Often the quality suffered and the limited runs make the value high. Don't snub a good reissue as the industry has discovered that silver plastic discs grossly overpriced and inferior would not last them long. Helmet, however, was a product of the great Amphetamine Reptile label--one of the great labels of the 90s (a sound often heard today in bands lick Pissed Jeans and early Clockcleaner) and HELMET (and Melvins, of course) was the band that received the most success, though the label is laden with amazing, cult bands like Hammerhead, Cows, Halo of Flies and more. I've often said the real grunge music of the 90s was coming out of a label in Minnesota, not Seattle. And theirs a reason why the out of print catalog fetches $50 and up per out of print title. This is real deal music that has stood the test of time. Now trust us, we won't steer you wrong.

More reissues:TALK TALK - Laughing Stock (the final, non-commercial critically acclaimed lp available for the first time in the US. Stay tuned as we try to snatch up some imports of the Spirit of Eden lp)DINOSAUR JR. - self titled, You're Living All Over Me, Bug (due November 1st)CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH - So they just put out their 3rd lp, Tess suggested we reload on the first one. So we did. Tess, your copy is in the special order stack.DOW JONES & the INDUSTRIALS - Can't Stand The Midwest 7" one of the greatest, catchy punk rock songs ever laid down. Guaranteed to get a room full of people who've never heard it bopping their heads (and possibly breaking shit).COCKSPARRER - Shock Troops - Just too catchy to be a simple oi band, yet too tough to be a power pop band. The best. And this is their best. You're no fun if you cant get down with Cocksparrer. Seriously.FEEDERZ - Ever Felt Like Killing Your Boss? (complete with grip tape)

NEW RELEASES (incomplete list)Wolves In The Throne Room - Celestial Lineage 2x lpBrown Sugar - Colored FlexiTom Waits - Bad As MeM83 - Hurry Up We're DreamingThe Oh Sees/Total Control split US tour lpZola Jesus - ConatusPunch - Nothing Lasts 7" ep (lots of semi-recent Deathwish stuff in stock, too)Mean Jeans/Hollywood split 7"Hollywood - Stunts lp (Big Neck Records is seriously back with a vengeance. Aside from recent Buffalo output (White Whale, Fatal Figures 7", check out the new website and upcoming release schedule at www.bigneckrecords.com)Big Neck was born in Buffalo in the late 90s as an outlet for the garage punk scene, expanded worldwide releasing Lost Sounds, Ponys, Mistreaters, Bantam Rooster and more while relocating to Virginia while continuing to churn out great rock and roll. Hopefully you know this already, but just in case...Big Neck is a highly respected, long running indie label distributed by Midheaven/Revolver, Dischord and more.

Kitchens Floor - Look Forward To Nothing - More aussie stuff we dig so much, we urge you to buy this immediately. Video posted on our facebook™ page as the 'Scratch of the Week'Spits V - who doesn't love the Spits? The fifth self-titled and they still are a institution of pure fun--ramones, dumb and synth. whats not to love?King Khan & BBQ 7"Mark Sultan (aka BBQ) 7" (lp's on the way)Human Eye - They Came from The Sky (Timmy Vulgar, the man behind Clone Defects and Timmys Organism) became a folk hero in Buffalo due to his antics at a post-Rust Belt Revolt party. Meanwhile, as Timmy's hair continued to recede, the wildman continued to get more adventurous with his current bands. Influenced by bands like Chrome and such, Human Eye is a must for those who like it a tad on the weirder side, yet without pretense and a love for blazing guitars, synths and some of the best drumming the world doesn't know.More from Sacred Bones: Population 1280, Zola Jesus, Moon Duo, the Men and more. ordered direct.

We'll talk more later as it's late and we're expecting some seriously cool orders in the coming days. I'll do my best to keep the blog back up and running, too.

A HUGE thank you goes out to Malik, Stokes, and Shaken Stylus for their hard work with the Population 1280 "3rd anniversary show" (and to the Fatal Figures and especially White Whale for "falling on the grenade". The support is appreciated. A week later, the shop hosted Sex Church (the lp is currently sold out, but one of the coolest indie bands going right now) and we thank them for playing, Mugsy for collecting dough, the counter ladies-'risa & sam, free useage of the pa (again), Sex Church for playing and all who attended and bought stuff...it was a great night all around. We're still learning the ropes, how things are done, and how to deal with jealous jerks while maintaining class...its been a bumpy ride at times and all the help is appreciated. ArgyBargy Printing (Biff), Bit Part Buttons (Neuland)--Team Scratch for helping fill the schedule (yes, you know who you are) and YOU for reading this self indulgent shit and supporting our little shop.

SPIRAL SCRATCH RECORDS.....

...one of Buffalo's only independent record stores focusing on vinyl sales both new and used (although we do sell clothing, books, magaZINES, stickers, buttons, cassettes, vintage stereo gear, a few cd's, and DVDs as well). We specialize in stocking old and new punk, hardcore, metal, garage and indie-rock, soul, jazz, country AND western, $1 beaters/guilty pleasures, record cleaning stuff (not overpriced snake oils) and just about everything else. We are always looking to buy to used clean vinyl , give us a call or stop in the store any time.